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Indonesia warns against starting open blazes as haze from wildfires spreads to Malaysia
Haze pushed air quality to unhealthy levels, affecting 197,323 students and forcing home-based lessons during the closure, the department said.
Sarawak authorities ordered a two-day closure of 591 schools across 10 districts starting Thursday, Aug 20, as worsening haze pushed air quality to 'very unhealthy' levels across the East Malaysian state.
The Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board warned that hazy conditions could persist due to biomass burning in Kalimantan, where 7,286 hotspots were detected between Aug 1 and Aug 19.
This directive affects 197,323 students—107,590 pupils in 509 primary schools and 89,733 students in 82 secondary schools—while the Sarawak Education Department implements home-based teaching to ensure learning continues.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian advised residents to limit outdoor activities and wear N95 masks, as API levels reached 239 in Serian on Friday, far exceeding the 'very unhealthy' threshold.
This marks the second time this month schools in the state have closed due to haze, with officials confirming that updates regarding reopening will be announced through official district education channels.